Inexpensive Ideas for Better Living

Main menu

Tag Archives: nautical

Summer has officially arrived with its holiday barbecues, beach days, vacations, and hot weather. I like to herald in a new season with a change of scenery – and by “scenery” I am of course referring to home decor! There are so many different directions you could go with summer decorating themes – I thought it would be fun to pick five and write about them. I’d really love to get your feedback on these and hear which one you prefer. I have assembled Pinterest boards for each of them to help give visual examples of my take on these themes. Check them out and vote on your favorite summer theme in the comments below.

1. Rustic Patriotic

Primary colors: Red, White and Blue | Accent colors: None needed

Oh say, can you see how delightfully charming a distressed flag painted on reclaimed wood can be? Or star-spangled burlap pillows? Or red, white and blue flowers on a farmhouse porch? This theme is for the proud American who relishes BBQ picnics with watermelon and grilled corn-on-the-cob, and loves July 4th fireworks so much they want to infuse their living room with that essence…in a tastefully rustic way.

Hal and I recently took a trip to Blue Ridge, GA, and I am literally salivating thinking about the gorgeous cabins with spectacular mountain views sitting right on Lake Blue Ridge. I love the mix of cozy mountain cabin with fun, lakeside living. If you like lots of warm wood tones, leather, canoes, and don’t mind a cutesy bear or two, than this is the style for you!

Sea glass, turquoise water and white sand can all act as inspiration for this style. If your ideal summer involves laying in a hammock listening to waves roll in and out, cooking in a white kitchen with a light blue glass tile backsplash, and lounging on a creamy couch surrounded by beachy objects, then coastal cottage is the way to go. (Hmm, this style reminds me of someone….)

If your heart goes a-flutter at the thought of grand stone courtyards, lush vineyards, Renaissance art, and Parisian bistros, then you might be in need of a european vacation. However, if you can’t afford to summer in Europe, you can bring a touch of France and Italy to your home through a variety of “molto bello” decorations.

5. High-End Nautical

Primary colors: Navy blue and white | Accent colors: Gold, yellow

Step aside, sailor, this style is for the classy captain who’s not afraid to blend a little bling with her blue. Glam gold accents spice up the clean blue and white lines of this look. Don’t be afraid to bring in some unique objects to add some character to this contemporary, elegant theme.